3 routes unveiled for BTS Silom extension

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) yesterday unveiled three possible routes for the next phase of the BTS Silom line extension to serve people living in Thon Buri.

The routes were proposed at the BMA’s first public hearing on the Silom line’s third extension project.

The Silom line currently ends at Bang Wa station on Phetkasem-Ratchaphruek Road.

The BMA’s Traffic and Transport Office signed a 40-million-baht contract in December last year to hire a group of consultants to conduct a feasibility study into the extended route.

The study covers possible routes, design and potential impacts on the environment.

About 100 people attended the hearing chaired by deputy Bangkok governor Amorn Kitchawengkul, who oversees the BMA’s mass transit system.

Tharit Issarayangyun, an engineer from Team Consulting Engineering and Management Co, one of the BMA’s project consultants, said the three proposed routes come with pros and cons.

The first route would go north along Ratchaphruek Road, past Bang Waek-Charansanitwong Soi 13, a road linking Phran Nok t o Phutthamonthon Sai 4, Boromratchonnanee Road, Kanchanaphisek Road and end near the State Railway of Thailand’s Light Red Line. The route is about 7-8 km long and would have six stations.

The second route would proceed north along Ratchaphruek Road, turn left at Phran Nok-Phutthamonthon Sai 4, proceed west and turn right at Phutthamonthon Sai 1, proceed north to Suan Phak Road and end near the Light Red Line. The route is 10km-long and would have eight stations.

The third route would follow the first route until it reaches Boromratchonnanee Road, where it would turn west and proceed towards the Light Red Line’s Taling Chan station and return to Ratchaphruek Road. The route is about 7-8 km long and would have six stations.

According to Mr Tharit, the first route would not require land appropriation, but its design is complex.

The second route would not require land appropriation and its design is not complex, but it is longer than other options which means higher construction costs.

Of the three routes, the third option is expected to draw most passengers, but its design is complex and it would affect a large number of people due to land appropriation.

“Ultimately, it is up to the people and the state to decide. Each route has strengths and flaws,” he said.